Secret Reporters No place to hide
Secrets Reporters
An unpleasant storm is brewing in the corridors of Nigeria’s healthcare system, and the spotlight is firmly on the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, with the minister of state for health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, comfortably sitting in the faces of the allegations of bending the rules to place a close ally in power.
The unfolding drama, which is scandalous to the reputation of the minister of state for health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, considering that he hasn’t served up to one year in his office, has triggered the intervention of the Joint National Actions Front Nigeria (JNAF)—a powerful coalition of civil society and human rights groups. In a bold and pointed move, JNAF has petitioned President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Staff, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to halt what they describe as irregular appointment of Dr. Ngozi Unaugu as Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Enugu. The group accused Dr. Alausa of administrative recklessness, claiming he is determined to install Dr. Unogu, who is rumored to be ‘more than just a friend’ to the minister, in a position she allegedly did not earn.
The controversy erupted after Dr. Monday Nwite Igwe, the hospital’s former CMD, was unceremoniously removed from office by Dr. Alausa. Igwe, who had only served three months of his second term, was cleared of any major wrongdoing by a ministerial panel, which merely recommended a warning. But rather than following this directive, Dr. Alausa bypassed due process and wrote directly to the President, requesting Dr. Igwe’s immediate dismissal, having Dr Ngozi Unaugu in mind as replacement.
Dr. Unaugu, who has been serving in an acting capacity, was thrust into the spotlight when the Ministry of Health advertised the CMD position. But her path to the top was far from straightforward. According to sources close to the situation, Dr. Unaugu failed the official interview for the CMD role, scoring 59.2%, which was below the 60% benchmark required by civil service rules. The top candidate, Dr. Andrew Oroghiwo, scored a solid 65.3%, yet it was Unogu whose name kept floating to the surface.
Whispers of favoritism turned into full-blown allegations after it was revealed that Dr. Alausa allegedly used government agencies to target Dr. Oroghiwo, attempting to discredit him. The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) reportedly summoned Dr. Oroghiwo to Abuja, demanding his bank records and seizing his phone. The timing of this probe has raised eyebrows, with many suspecting it was orchestrated to clear the path for Dr. Unogu.
According to the petition filed by JNAF, Dr. Unaugu’s appointment might be linked to a much larger financial scheme. The group stated boldly that, both Dr. Unaugu and Dr. Alausa requested a staggering N40 billion in government funding for an abandoned building project at the hospital, fueling speculations that personal gain, rather than public service, could be driving the minister’s passionate and resilient actions, despite widespread opposition and multiple petitions calling for due process. Dr. Alausa, who seems undeterred, has reportedly ignored rulings from the House Committee on Public Wrongs, which ordered Dr. Igwe’s reinstatement, and has continued pushing for Dr. Unaugu’s confirmation.
The allegations of high-level manipulation does not end there, it has also been revealed that Dr. Unaugu has enjoyed been involved in personal vendetta within the hospital, using her position to go after individuals who previously challenged her in court. This includes a senior staff member, Dr. Ndu, who sued Dr. Unaugu for defamation and won. Despite this, Dr. Unaugu, now acting as CMD, continues to pursue disciplinary action against Dr. Ndu, raising concerns about abuse of power and contempt of court.
JNAF, which prides itself on holding public officials accountable, is not backing down. During a press conference in Abuja, the group’s leadership warned that Dr. Alausa’s actions are a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s healthcare system, where personal relationships seem to trump merit and rule of law.
“If this level of impunity is allowed to stand, it will send a clear message that Nigeria’s public institutions are up for grabs by whoever has the right connections,” said Tunji Olajide, a leading voice within JNAF.
As the group’s petition moves up the chain of command, the coalition has set a hard deadline. If no action is taken by October 1st, 2024, JNAF has vowed to mobilize protests and picket the Minister of Health’s office, demanding accountability. For now, all eyes are on the presidency and whether it will intervene in what has become a test case for transparency and justice in Nigeria’s public sector.
